It seems that there a quite a few posts lately that are really more of a 'blowing off steam' or vent kind of posts that are taken as requests for advice. Then the advice is given and feelings are hurt. Since this is such a wonderful and safe place to blow off steam/vent about our lives, kids, husband. (much better venting here than kicking the dog! LOL) It might be helpful and less hurtful to just say in the post "just needing to vent/blow off steam only hugs needed" or something like that.

By Crystal915 on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 11:05 am:

I agree with that suggestion.

By Amecmom on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 11:44 am:

Great idea, Jann. It should say in the header - Just a Vent.
Ame

By Jackie on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 02:15 pm:

Great Idea !

By Kernkate on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 03:46 pm:

It is a good idea, but with the # of members, you will still get advice, no matter what you post. JMO
I think it might be a good idea for members to review the posting guide lines. In the past few months there has been things posted that I felt were not appropriate for our boards...once again, JMO. And the Mods. do a great job of catching these things.

By Jann on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 04:08 pm:

Thanks ya'll!
definitely not a perfect suggestion, but it might help a little ;)

By Kay on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 04:56 pm:

I know that when I see a 'vent' post, I tend to commiserate with the poster.....although it's hard to avoid giving unsolicited advice.

By Heaventree on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 05:12 pm:

I think most people come and post for support rather than advice. I think it's important to try and be tactful and respectful when dolling out advice.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 06:33 pm:

Jann, your suggestion is a good one but I think Kate is right - people will give advice if they think they have something helpful or a different perspective to offer the venter. I certainly agree with Heaventree that it is very important to try to be tackful and respectful, when giving advice or in any other post.

By Jann on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 07:40 pm:

Ginny, I agree. That's why I thought the OP should take some ownership of their post and state out right that they are just blowing off steam.